"Situated on the banks of sacred River Shipra, Ujjain is
one of the four holy places where Kumbh Mela is held. With temples like Bade
Ganeshji Ka Mandir and Mahakaleshwar, this historically rich town turns out
to be the perfect place, to attain salvation for the pilgrims."

Places to Visit in Ujjain Tourism

Situated on the western side of Madhya Pradesh, on the banks of
River Shipra, Ujjain is one of the most important holy cities in
India. It was earlier called Avantika, but after King Shiva defeated
Demon King of Tripuri, he renamed it to Ujjainyini(One who conquers
with pride). Ujjain is the proud possessor of a very glorious history.
It boasts about being ruled by the likes of King Vikramaditya and King
Ashoka. However, even the holy lands of Ujjain had to witness the sad
saga of invasion and destruction in the 13th century. By 17th century,
Marathas took over the entire area and triggered the era of cultural
renaissance, giving Ujjain a modern look. They also reconstructed many
temples thus regaining and preserving the lost charisma of the city.
Today Ujjain is a striking amalgamation of legacy of bygone era and
contemporary architecture.

Attractions - Historical and Sacred

Ujjain is one of the many holy cities in India and the major places
to visit in the town are temples. However you will also find
magnificent museums and palaces as well. Bade Ganeshji Ka Mandir and
Mahakaleshwar are two important temples in the city.

The Maha Kumbh Mela

Ujjain is most famous for the Holy Kumbh Mela that is held here every twelve years. The festival is celebrated on the banks of River Shipra which is considered a very sacred river. According to Hindu mythology, after the ocean churning by Gods and Demons, there was a mad tussle between them for the nectar that came out of the ocean. The Demons violently chased Gods for the nectar. And in this catch me if you can game, few drops of nectar fell on earth at Haridwar, Nasik, Prayag and Ujjain. Kumbh Mela is held at all these places at different times. During the fair, the city is crowded by overwhelming number of pilgrims and sadhus (Saints). Majestically slow and soothingly decorated elephants tread the fair ground adding extra flavour of spirituality to the town. A Visit to Ujjain during Kumbh Mela is really an experience of divinity.

Bade Ganeshji Ka Mandir

Bade Ganeshji Ka Mandir is situated near the tank of Mahakaleshwar
Temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha who is believed to be
the God of health and prosperity. The temple is famous for the massive
and grand statue of Lord Ganesh that is there in the temple. It is one
of the largest statues of Lord Ganesha in India. There is also a
Panchmukhi image of Lord Hanuman in the middle of the temple. Visit
the temple and secure the blessings of both Lord Ganesha and Lord
Hanuman simultaneously.

Mahakaleshwar

Mahakaleshwar is a glorious temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. One of
the 12 Jyotirlingas has been consecrated here which makes it one of
the most important temples of Lord Shiva. The temple is divided into 5
levels. One of these levels is underground. The way to this section of
the temple is lit up with Brass lamps. The Shikhara is impressively
decorated with sculpted finery which gives the temple an out of this
world charm.

Vikram Kirti Mandir

Vikram Kirti Mandir serves as the cultural center to immortalize the
memory of King Vikramaditya. The center also has the Scindia Oriental
Research Institute that has more than 18,000 rare manuscripts in
different fields, an archaeological museum, an art gallery and an
auditorium. It was established on the occasion of second millennium of
Vikram era. Visit the art gallery that has numerous old paintings of
Rajput and Mughal Era. The archaeological museum showcases
inscriptions, copper plates and fossils that were found in Narmada
valley. The most interesting is a huge elephant skull which is sure to
leave you spell bound.

Bhartrihari Caves

Bhartrihari Caves have, over the time become a great tourist
destination. The caves are situated just above the banks of River
Shipra near Gadhkalika Temple. The caves are famous as the place where
the step brother of King Vikramaditya meditated after renouncing all
worldly possessions and relations. The name of the saint was
Bhartrihari, thus the caves too got this name. It is said that
Bhartrihari was a great scholar and a talented poet.

Kailadeh Palace

The historical palace is situated at a distance of 8 km from the
town on an island in Shipra river. The palace was built by Mandu
Rulers in the year 1458. Kailadeh Palace was built in Persian style of
architecture. The palace took the brunt of time and huge portion of
the palace collapsed. It was then mended by Maharaja Madhav Rao
Scindia I in 1920. The palace is set in very calm environment that
further adds to the surrounding natural beauty.

Where to Put Up

There are good number of hotels to choose from in Ujjain. Most of
them are budget hotels and are government approved. They provide you
with all the basic facilities. The main hotels in the city are Hotel
Shipra, Hotel Ashray and Yatri Niwas run by government.

Getting There

By Air

The nearest airport is at Indore which is around 55 km from here.
From there you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Ujjain.

By Rail

Ujjain has its own rail head. There are regular trains from all
major cities of India like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore and Kolkata.

By Road

Almost all cities of Madhya Pradesh are connected to Ujjain by
frequent state transport buses.

Local Transport

Shared autos called tempoes ply inside the city and are the major
players. You will also find fair number of auto rickshaws which are
bit expensive than the earlier option but is a better way of roaming
inside the city.